David Backes
A power forward who became the heart of the St. Louis Blues for a decade, defining their identity with relentless physical play and leadership.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: May 1·Millennials
Biography
David Backes carved out a career defined by grit and an unyielding work ethic. Hailing from Minnesota, he bypassed major junior hockey for the USHL and then Colorado College, developing a complete, hard-nosed game that made him a second-round pick in 2003. He didn't just arrive in the NHL; he imposed himself on it, becoming the St. Louis Blues' captain and the embodiment of their tough, defensive identity for nearly 800 games. His game was one of punishing checks, net-front battles, and timely scoring, earning him All-Star nods and deep playoff runs. While a Stanley Cup eluded him in St. Louis, his trade to Boston was a testament to his valued style, and he later returned to the Blues organization in a front-office role after retiring, closing a circle with the city he helped define.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
David was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as captain of the St. Louis Blues from 2011 to 2016, leading the team through its most consistent period of success in decades.
- Represented the United States at two Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in Vancouver in 2010.
- Recorded over 500 career points in the NHL, a notable feat for a player known primarily for his physical, two-way game.
- Was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2011, recognizing his status as one of the league's premier power forwards.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Kelly, are passionate animal welfare advocates and founded a charity called "Athletes for Animals."
He played collegiate hockey at Colorado College, where he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist as the nation's top player.
Backes is an avid pilot and obtained his private pilot's license.
He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the same 2003 draft class as teammate T.J. Oshie.
“I play a hard-nosed game. I'm not going to change. That's what got me here.”
